Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla called the decision of the United States to announce that, in early 2023, its embassy in Havana will resume full processing of immigrant visas for the first time since 2017 a "positive step."
There will also be accelerated processing of Cuban family reunification and an increase in staff at the diplomatic office in Havana.
A note published on the U.S. Embassy's website states that, as part of the expansion of regular pathways, the need for Cubans applying for immigrant visas in family preference categories to travel outside Cuba, to Georgetown, Guyana, for their interviews, will be eliminated.
He adds that these steps are in line with the U.S.-Cuba Migratory Agreements to ensure a minimum of 20,000 visas for Cubans each year.
After suspending the service for more than four years, the U.S. announced in March of this year the resumption of visa issuance in a limited and gradual manner.
The measure of restricting consular services has had an impact on illegal migration, as the agreements between both countries, in terms of a legal, orderly and safe flow, have not been complied with. (International News Office)
Translated by ESTI
